Ultrasound binary microbubble drug delivery and drug synthesis for cancer treatment

Abstract Conventional chemotherapy is often constrained by the toxic effects of anticancer drugs, particularly in drug-resistant tumours requiring high doses for efficacy. This challenge underscores the need for innovative strategies to deliver anticancer medications effectively while minimizing systemic toxicity. Ultrasound-assisted drug delivery has emerged as a promising approach, enhancing localized drug concentrations, thereby improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. This principles and recent advancements in ultrasound-assisted drug delivery are highlighted. The article also describes a promising strategy involving the use of ultrasound-responsive carriers (URCs) for in vivo drug synthesis. These URCs can transport two drug precursors (prodrugs). Targeted ultrasound exposure triggers the release of prodrugs, leading to the local synthesis of "parent drug” that is a cytotoxic for malignant cells. In addition, the use of HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) and magnetic nanoparticles for binary drug delivery and synthesis are discussed in detail. This method could minimize harm to healthy tissues and organs, significantly enhancing the efficacy of anticancer chemotherapy by reducing systemic toxicity and improving targeted treatment outcomes.